Solihull Man Takes on London Marathon in Tribute to Cherished Role Model
A dedicated West Midlands resident is gearing up for the TCS London Marathon this year, running in heartfelt memory of a beloved family figure who tragically succumbed to a cancerous brain tumor. Mark Simpson, aged 44 and hailing from Solihull, will conquer the iconic 26.2-mile route on April 26, 2026, honoring his brother-in-law's father, Frank 'Giff' Ashton, who passed away in 2023. Mark is steadfast in his commitment to complete this formidable challenge while supporting Brain Tumour Research, a charity that holds deep personal significance for him.
Inspiring Motivation Behind the Marathon Effort
Mark shared his emotional journey, stating, "After running the London Marathon back in 2014, I vowed never to attempt it again because it utterly exhausted me. However, everything changed when Giff, who was a true role model and the father of my brother-in-law Paul, passed away. I always admired his unwavering dedication to his family. He spoke with such pride about his wife, Carol, his sons, and his grandchildren. That's exactly the kind of person I strive to be with my own children. He was an exceptionally warm and welcoming man, always showing genuine interest in our family and our activities. His diagnosis came as a massive shock, and his loss has deeply affected all of us."
The Heartbreaking Battle with Glioblastoma
Giff, who worked as a sheet metal worker starting at age 16, initially experienced difficulty lifting the front of his foot, leading to further leg complications. An MRI scan at Kettering General Hospital revealed a mass in his brain, later diagnosed as a glioblastoma—an aggressive and incurable form of brain tumor. He underwent surgery at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford to remove the tumor, but doctors delivered a grim prognosis of only three to nine months to live. Determined to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary in June, Giff managed to enjoy a barbecue with his wife, Carol, and their family, despite facing pulmonary embolisms and blood clots in the lead-up. Tragically, the tumor proved relentless, and Giff died on July 22, 2023, at the age of 73, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, four sons, and eight grandchildren.
Rigorous Preparation and Family Support
Mark has been diligently training for the upcoming marathon, focusing on building both his physical stamina and mental fortitude. He has been utilizing connections made through the charity to stay motivated and aims to surpass his previous race time. His wife, Amy, and sons, Elijah and Daniel, are eagerly anticipating meeting him at the finish line to celebrate his achievement.
Reflecting on his preparation, Mark said, "Although it's been 11 years since my last marathon, I recall how it mentally overwhelmed me back then, and I didn't run for an entire year afterward. In those days, I was younger and somewhat naive about the immense challenge. Now, I possess a stronger mindset and the powerful motivation to complete this race in Giff's memory. Being part of the Brain Tumour Research WhatsApp group has been incredibly beneficial for exchanging tips and offering mutual support. Lee, one of the running coaches, assisted me in developing a robust training plan, so I feel prepared to beat my previous time and raise crucial funds for this vital cause. If Giff were here to witness this, I'm certain he'd be immensely proud of what I'm doing, and it would likely bring a tear to his eye."
The Urgent Need for Brain Tumor Research
Giff's brain tumor, a glioblastoma, represents the most common type of primary high-grade brain tumor in adults, with a devastating average prognosis of just 12 to 18 months. There are over 100 different types of brain tumors, making them notoriously challenging to treat effectively. Mark emphasized, "One of the most frustrating aspects for me is the severe underfunding of research into brain tumors, especially considering the thousands of people affected annually. Giff's diagnosis and the brief time we had with him opened my eyes to the lack of progress in treatment options. It feels imperative that more must be done, and I am resolute in helping to drive that change forward."
Charity Support and Encouragement
Carol Robertson, the national events manager at Brain Tumour Research, expressed her admiration, saying, "Mark's dedication to running the London Marathon in memory of Giff is truly inspiring. It is incredibly moving to witness individuals like him, who are personally impacted by the devastating effects of brain tumors, taking proactive steps to raise both awareness and essential funds for research. Every stride Mark takes brings us closer to the day when we can discover more effective treatments and ultimately a cure for this cruel disease. We eagerly look forward to cheering him on during the race."
